Helping you source safer travel adaptors

Travel Safe
Helping you source safer travel adaptors

In April 2016, a new voluntary British standard regulation (BS 8546: 2016) was introduced to make travel adaptors that fit UK plugs safer. We want to help you choose the safest, most compliant products – so here's what you need to know about travel adaptor regulations.

What is the issue in a nutshell?

The new British standard regulation was introduced in 2016, but whilst we are in the EU manufacturers can legally continue using the less stringent European standard (which predates the British standard).

Products that comply to the European standard but not BS 8546 are not necessarily safe, and there have been product recalls. Once we leave the EU, the new British standard will become the only relevant standard for UK travel adaptors.

What exactly is the British standard that was introduced in 2016?

A new British standard ‘BS 8546: 2016 – Travel adaptors compatible with UK plug and socket system’ was published in April 2016.

It affects ‘any travel adaptors that have at least one plug or socket-outlet portion compatible with BS 1363 UK plugs and socket-outlets (for connection to a non-UK plug and socket system).’ In other words, travel adaptors that fit British plugs – the type that people from the UK would use abroad.

The purpose of this British standard regulation is to make travel adaptors much safer, as the European standard is quite vague and non-specific, and not fit for purpose.

So, is it legal to produce UK travel adaptors to the European standard?

In short, yes – for now, but it’s a grey area.

As long as we are still within the EU, it is legal for manufacturers to produce UK travel adaptors to the far less stringent European standard. However, there is an expectation that companies will comply to the British standard, and as a result there have been product recalls.

For example, the Change Worx International travel adaptor, sold in GAME stores and online, was recalled in 2018. This was due to risk of fire or electric shock if the product was misused.

The new British standard was introduced in 2016 – why am I hearing about it now?

This has become increasingly topical as we approach Brexit. Once Britain leaves the EU, BS 8546 will become the only relevant standard for UK travel adaptors.

Why do I need to be concerned about this now?

Quite simply, travel adaptors that meet the European standard but not BS 8546 may not be safe.

Issues include:

• Unclear markings about maximum current ratings
• Poor quality manufacturing
• Cheap materials
• Poor compatibility with national plug/socket systems
• Incorrect dimensions
• Contacts designed to work with a variety of plug types not performing adequately for ANY plug/pin configuration
• Loss of earth connection
• Voltage conversion (esp. UK & US)
• Excessive temperature rise
• Cross-polarity (swapping of live and neutral) (esp. UK & Australia)
• Accessibility of live parts
• Incompatible systems being used together when they shouldn’t

Do BS 8546 compliant adaptors cost more?

Yes, compliant adaptors do cost more. However, as the British standard becomes more widely known, manufacturers are starting to take notice. Over time availability will increase, and costs will go down.

When weighing up the costs of different travel adaptors, you also need to take into account the reputational risk of a product recall.

What should I do as a buyer of promotional merchandise?

We strongly advise all our customers to only source travel adaptors that conform to BS 8546. By purchasing products that comply to BS 8546 you can be confident that you are supplying a fully tested travel adaptor that will be safer for your customers.

If you want to source a BS 8545 compliant UK travel adaptor, make sure you ask your promotional merchandise supplier plenty of questions, and don’t be afraid to ask for evidence of compliance.

At Bounce Creative Designs, we are committed to help you source the best possible promotional merchandise. We will be happy to talk you through your options and help you source safe, compliant UK travel adaptors – and we will send you all the compliance documentation you need. You can reach us on [email protected] or 0208 318 9603.